The Ultimate Race Day Checklist

INTRODUCTION

Maybe right you’re looking weeks ahead to a far off race day prepping like a pro, or maybe you’re well into your taper and feeling some dawning… is that excitement? If you’re after taper-specific tips, I’ve got you covered here, but as race day draws near I want you to know it’s natural to feel both excitement and nerves.

Your hard work is about to may off, but the final two weeks are just as crucial. On the last lead up it’s not about racking up more miles; it’s about going into marathon day feeling prepared, calm, and confident.

The ultimate marathon day checklist isn’t just about your shoes and bib. It includes pre-race prep, mid-race gear, post-race recovery – and the mindset that will carry you through mile 26. Here’s your ultimate marathon day checklist to cover all the bases.

GET ORGANISED: EVERYTHING YOU NEED, NO LAST-MINUTE PANIC

Week T-minus two is the perfect time to make sure you have everything you need ready for marathon day, the last thing you want to do is get to the day you are leaving for the event and realise your favourite socks have a hole in them.

So, I want you to create a list of everything you need, not just for the race, but for the days leading up to the event as well as chances are you will not be staying at home. And my best advice, is to include everything on there, even the most obvious items.

Whilst this is not an extensive list, here are some key items I would ensure you have put aside and ready to go.

And if you realise you haven’t got something you need, you have plenty of time to pick it up or order online.

MARATHON DAY KIT-LIST

• Your race day shoes – perhaps the most important one.
• Socks – make sure these are socks you have run in before so you know you won’t get blisters
• Underwear – also very important
• Sports bra – if needed of course
• Race Vest/T-shirt – whatever you are most comfortable in
• Shorts/Leggings – again, whatever you are most comfortable in
• Anti Chafe Balm – no comment needed
• Suncream – always best to be prepared
• Energy Gels/Sweets/Fuel – whatever works best for you
• Electrolytes – important to start drinking these on the days leading up to and the morning of the race.
• Old jumper/hoody for the start – there are collection points at every start line so your unwanted clothes will be donated to charity

Also, don’t forget about post race too. There will be a bag drop so you can pop your post race essentials in there so you can get them as soon as you finish. Again, here is what I would recommend.

• Sliders/Flip flops – trust me on this one, there is no better feeling than taking your shoes off post race
• Spare socks – because nobody likes wearing sweaty socks
• Jumper/Hoody – to keep warm once the adrenaline wears off
• Baby wipes – to freshen up before you head to the pub
• Deodorant/Body spray – as let’s face it, you’re probably going to need it
• Post run snack(s) – to kick start that recovery process
• Phone + portable charger – for that all important medal selfie and Strava post

FINAL DRESS REHEARSAL: TEST TIME, FOOD, GEAR

Hopefully by now, you have clocked up a few miles in the kit you are going to wear on race day, but use this next week to do one final run through of everything you are going to be wearing and using on the day. Ultimately you want to make sure that everything you are wearing is comfortable, that is the most important thing.

26.2 miles is a long way, and the last thing you want to happen is realise 3 miles into the race that your shorts are rubbing or riding up in all the wrong places.

Now that you have your start time too (if you haven’t already, check your inbox as you should have received your number and allocated start time from the London Marathon organisers) I would also suggest heading out for your last long(ish) run at the time you are due to start the race – that way, you can make sure you know the timings for your breakfast, pre run snack and how many times you can fit in going to the bathroom, before you set off.

DON’T CRAM. DON’T PANIC. TRUST THE PROCESS.

And finally, now is not the time to panic. It is not the time to be cramming in any long runs or harder runs you may have missed. I know it can be tempting, and it can be hard to not think that everything is going to go wrong because you missed a long run 3 weeks ago, but I can assure you, nothing extra you do now will have a positive impact on race day. But, trying to cram in extra miles could lead to you feeling more fatigued heading into marathon week, which is the last thing you want.

Instead of focusing on what you haven’t done, focus on what you have done. This is something I encourage everyone I coach to do leading up to their event. Look back through your training and pick out at least 3 training highlights – perhaps you achieved a PB, ran your furthest ever distance, or perhaps there was just a run where you felt really strong and fit. Whatever it may be, focus on those and everything else you have done, and keep reminding yourself what you are capable of, not only will this help you on the lead up to marathon day, but it’s always a great thing to have in your back pocket for during the event too when things start to feel tough.

THE MINDSET CHECKLIST: PREPARE YOUR HEAD FOR RACE DAY

Physical prep is only one side of the coin. Your mindset matters too.

• Visualise crossing the finish line strong
• Remind yourself what you’ve achieved—look at those training highlights
• Reassure yourself: it’s okay to feel nervous—it means you care
• Plan your support: where will family be? What does your mental cue card look like during mile 18?

A calm mind on race day will boost your confidence—and let that months-long training shine through.

RACE WEEK CHECKLIST

Here’s the final wrap-up:

Task	Details
Two weeks prior	Start checklist and gather kit
Last long run	Dress rehearsal with food timing
Final week	Stick to easy runs + light cross-training
Two days pre-race	Lay out kit, check your kit, confirm travel details
Night before	Early dinner, early to bed, fill bottles, set clothes out
Race morning	Relaxed breakfast, kit check, warm-up run, deep breaths

A FINAL WORD FROM COACH JORDAN

You’ve come so far, trained through triumph and doubt, and shown up for every single run. This ultimate marathon day checklist is about giving you peace of mind—and preserving your energy for what matters most: the run.

Trust the training. Now you kit is ready. Your mind is prepared. All that’s left is to show up… and enjoy the journey that has gotten you here.

Only 2 weeks to go. Let’s do this.

Coach Jordan x